The Canadiens have signed center Jared Davidson to a two-year, entry-level deal, per a team release. The Canadian pivot was set to become an unrestricted free agent tomorrow at 4 p.m. CT if not signed to his ELC.
Davidson, 22 in July, is coming off his first professional season for the AHL’s Laval Rocket. He made 38 appearances for the Habs’ top minor-league affiliate, scoring 11 goals and five assists for 16 points with 31 PIMs and a +1 rating.
Initially eligible for selection in the 2020 draft, he was passed over twice before landing with Montreal via the 130th overall pick in 2022. The Edmonton native spent his amateur career with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League. He was a non-factor offensively in his draft year, limited to 16 points in 59 games, but had a strong run during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season (19 points in 23 games). That prefaced a major breakout in 2021-22, learning All-Star nods after leading the T-birds in scoring with 89 points (42 goals, 47 assists) in 64 games, thus earning him draft consideration.
Financial terms of his entry-level pact weren’t initially disclosed. The two-year term carries him through the 2025-26 season, and he’ll be a restricted free agent upon expiry if tendered a qualifying offer.